[LWJ]

It really sounds like a LOT in a short amount of time. Consider that there is travel as well.

If white water is your big deal, I won't tell you about the best because it won't work for you. However, there is good / easy / fun white water on the Deschutes river out of Maupin - a two hour drive from Portland. You could come back via the Columbia Gorge and go over via Mt. Hood. Not a lot of time to stop with the rafting however.

I would definitely pick up St. Helens on the way down from Seattle. Very cool and easy to do. Can you travel "open jaws?" That is, fly to Seattle, fly out of Portland? It will save 3+ hours of backtrack car time.

Question? Are you city people or outdoors people or both?

You might consider flying to Victoria or Vancouver and taking a ferry through the San Juan's. You could pick up get off the ferry at Seattle or Anacortes and then drive down. If you made a North to South trip - or vice versa - this is possible.

I would ask how much Seattle / Portland exploration do you want to do? Seattle is a KILLER town, but I don't know that I would spend a day exploring it. Same with Portland.



Here is what I would do:

Fly to Victoria, explore and spend night. Victoria is a cool town. Very unique. Hop on Ferry through San Juans. Take the itinerary that is pedestrian friendly - I forget which islands are the best for foot exploration. Ferry to Anacortes. Rent car. Spend night in Seattle. Drive South to Mt. St. Helens and Portland. Night in Portland. Drive through the Gorge to Maupin to raft - better light than in the PM. Night in Portland. Drive to Oregon Coast. You will thank me. Try Cannon Beach. It is close and lovely. Night in Portland.

That is a five day itinerary. You might add a day in Seattle or the San Juans. Both are great.

Have fun. August is Seattle / Portland can be hot but is generally fantastic.

Larry